This is a season in which we speak often of reconciliation and decorate our homes and churches with images of a perfect family—the holy family ... and the (plastic) sleeping babe.

Sunday, Dec. 31, is the feast of the the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Mass readings: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 or Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3; Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 or Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4 ...